Ash sat slumped in the chair, his face buried in his hands, his shoulders shaking as quiet sobs wracked his body. He couldn't stop the tears from falling.
Every time he thought about Elijah's bloodied face, the tears only came harder. He hadn't seen Elijah in three years, and now Elijah had reappeared—only to nearly sacrifice himself to save him. The thought made Ash's heart twist painfully in his chest.
Kian stood beside him, shifting awkwardly as he watched his usually cheerful friend unravel. He scratched the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable in the tense atmosphere but unable to leave Ash alone in such a state.
Finally, he asked softly, "Ash…who is that guy? You seem to know him."
Ash tried to speak, to explain the complicated mess that was his relationship with Elijah, but all that came out was a strangled noise.
